In 1994, the entire Gualala River watershed was listed on section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act as impaired for excessive sedimentation / siltation. Excessive sediment in the Gualala River watershed impairs Beneficial Uses associated with the Gualala River’s salmonid fishery and habitat.
In 2001, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for sediment in the Gualala River Watershed, supported by the Gualala River Watershed Technical Support Document for Sediment (TSD), which was developed by North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (North Coast Water Board) staff.
Pursuant to section 13242 of the California Water Code, North Coast Water Board staff have developed the Action Plan for the Gualala River Sediment TMDL (Action Plan) and Staff Report Supporting the Gualala River Sediment TMDL Action Plan (Staff Report) – see below…